A night at the theater that doubles as a trip to the ballpark — what could be better? With the Oriole Bird strutting onstage and “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” echoing through the house, Arena’s Fichandler Stage feels less like a theater and more like the Baltimore Orioles Stadium — stage lights and plush seats aside. This is Damn Yankees: a musical with the same energy, passion, and camaraderie of America’s favorite pastime but with a side of song and dance.
Kicking off Arena Stage’s 75th Season, Damn Yankees steps up to the plate in a bold new “revisal.” Based on the original that premiered in 1955 with music and lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross and book by George Abbott and Douglass Wallop, this version has been reimagined by Will Power and Doug Wright, with additional lyrics by Broadway’s Lynn Ahrens. This isn’t just any adaptation. Damn Yankees is packed with Broadway powerhouses testing this “revisal” before its likely Broadway run in 2026.
The story now follows the 2000s Baltimore Orioles as they battle the unstoppable New York Yankees in a version that mirrors the diversity of modern baseball. Joe’s quest to win isn’t just for glory — it’s to finish the dream his father was denied by the color barrier. The gender politics have been modernized, with Ahrens refreshed “The Game,” replacing outdated lyrics and adding a new song for Applegate. This revisal proves that Golden Age musicals can remain relevant when adapted for today’s audiences.
The plot remains largely the same as the original version: Joe and Meg Boyd live a quiet life in Baltimore, except during baseball season, when Joe is glued to the TV, despairing over the Orioles’ losses. So when the devilish Applegate offers him the chance to become slugger Joe Hardy and lead the team to glory, Joe jumps. But the pact comes with an escape clause: by October 17th, he must choose to return to Meg or remain Joe Hardy forever. Determined to trap him, Applegate unleashes temptations and sabotage. Caught between his love for Meg and his love for the game, Joe faces a heart-wrenching decision.
Arena’s production is electrifying — out-of-the-park vocals, stellar design, and seasoned performers make it feel like a ballgame from first pitch to final out.
Directed and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo (of Broadway’s Real Women Have Curves), the musical races at game speed as scenes, sets, and characters fly in and out of Arena’s in-the-round stage. Trujillo allows the script and score to walk the line between realism and fantasy, landing in a grounded, passionate, and joyous camp style without ever tipping into triviality.
Trujillo’s masterful direction shines through a star-studded cast: Ana Villafañe is captivating as Lola, Rob McClure is perfectly villainous as Applegate, Quentin Earl Darrington anchors the show as Joe Boyd, Bryonha Marie glows with warmth and grace as Meg Boyd, and Jordan Donica soars as Joe Hardy. DC favorites, including Rayanne Gonzales and Sarah Anne Sillers, round out the cast.
Trujillo’s superb choreography turns each game into a blur of leaps, spins, and flips, exemplified by the players (featuring J. Savage, Raúl Contreras, Ryo Kamibayashi, Justin Showell, Michael Harmon, John Michael Fiumara, Drake Leach, and Ryan Vyskocil). Their knockout number, “Shoeless Joe From Hannibal, Mo.” — featuring soaring vocals from Alysha Umphress as Gloria the intrepid journalist — earned them a minute-long mid-show applause.
The design conjures a world of magic and sport, perfectly suited to the Fichandler. A bare stage shifts swiftly between scenes (set design by Robert Brill), costumes gleam in Oriole orange (costume design by Linda Cho), lights illuminate both home runs and quiet kisses (lighting design by Philip S. Rosenberg), and projected billboards evoke a real ballpark (projection design by Peter Nigrini), all combining into a fluid playing field for the cast.
This reimagining keeps every ounce of the original’s zeal while infusing it with a spirit of community and culture and a love of the game. As Orioles manager Van Buren says, it’s got “Heart.” Even if baseball isn’t your passion, this team of dancers, actors, and designers will win you over.
Running Time: Two hours and 10 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.
Damn Yankees plays through November 9, 2025, in the Fichandler Stage at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater, 1101 6th St SW, Washington, DC. Tickets are available online ($49–$143) or by visiting TodayTix. Tickets may also be purchased through the Sales Office by phone at 202-488-3300, Tuesday through Sunday, 12-8 p.m., or in person at 1101 Sixth Street SW, DC, Tuesday through Sunday, 2 hours prior to each performance. Groups of 10+ may purchase tickets by phone at 202-488-4380.
Arena Stage’s many savings programs include “pay your age” tickets for those aged 35 and under; military, first responder, and educator discounts; student discounts; and “Southwest Nights” for those living and working in the District’s Southwest neighborhood. To learn more, visit arenastage.org/savings-programs.
The Damn Yankees program is downloadable here.
COVID Safety: Arena Stage recommends but does not require that patrons wear facial masks in theaters except in designated mask-required performances (Wednesday, October 15 at 7:30 pm). For up-to-date information, visit arena stage.org/safety.
Damn Yankees
Music and Lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross
Book by George Abbott and Douglass Wallop
Based on the Novel The Year the Yankees Lost the Pennant by Douglass Wallop
New Adaptation by Will Power and Doug Wright
Additional Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
CREATIVE TEAM
Director and Choreographer: Sergio Trujillo
Set Designer: Robert Brill
Costume Designer: Linda Cho
Lighting Designer: Philip S. Rosenberg
Sound Designer: Walter Trarbach
Projection Designer: Peter Nigrini
Wig and Hair Designer: Charles G. Lapointe
Illusion Designer: Paul Kieve
Score Supervisor: David Chase
Orchestrator: Doug Besterman
Music Director: Adam Rothenberg
Associate Director: Marc Tumminelli
Associate Choreographer: Brandt Martinez
Associate Music Director: Dean Balan
New York Casting: The TRC Company/Tara Rubin, CSA, Merri Sugarman, CSA
DC Casting: Raiyon Hunter
Stage Manager: Christi B. Spann
Assistant Stage Manager: Stefania Giron Zuluaga
Assistant Stage Manager: Sara Gehl
CAST
Fuzzy/Ensemble: Giuseppe Bausilio
Peña/Ensemble: Raúl Contreras (Dance Captain)
Ensemble: Deanna Cudjoe
Joe Boyd: Quentin Earl Darrington
Joe Hardy: Jordan Donica
Gonzalez/Ensemble: John Michael Fiumara
Sister/Ensemble: Rayanne Gonzales
Ensemble: Danielle Marie Gonzalez
Smokey/Ensemble: Michael Harmon
Van Buren: Nehal Joshi
Ito/Ensemble: Ryo Kamibayashi
Meg Boyd: Bryonha Marie
Ensemble: Georgia Monroe
Welch: Keenan McCarter
Applegate: Rob McClure
Commissioner/Ensemble: Kevin Munhall
Sohovik/Ensemble: J Savage
Rocky/Ensemble: Justin Showell
Doris/Ensemble: Sarah Anne Sillers
Ensemble: Jordyn Taylor
Gloria Thorpe: Alysha Umphress
Lola: Ana Villafañe
UNDERSTUDIES
For Meg Boyd: Rayanne Gonzales
For Lola: Danielle Marie Gonzalez
For Applegate: Nehal Joshi
For Joe Boyd/Van Buren: Keenan McCarter
For Fuzzy/Welch: Kevin Munhall
For Joe Hardy: Justin Showell
For Gloria Thorpe: Sarah Anne Sillers
For Sister: Jordyn Taylor
Swings: Drake Leach, Dani Spieler, Ryan Vyskocil
SEE ALSO:
Arena Stage launches 75th season with 21st-century revival of ‘Damn Yankees’ (news story, August 1, 2025)